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Troopers needed

For those interested in a career in law enforcement, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is looking for troopers to fill its ranks.

The statewide law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing traffic and criminal laws on public roadways and state-owned property. Troopers provide service to the public 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a week, 365-days-a-year.

To be considered for training, men and women must have attained a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development), be a U.S. citizen, have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be between the ages of 20 and 34.

To be accepted for training, candidates must successfully complete a three-hour written entrance exam and an extensive application process which includes a background investigation, polygraph examination, medical examination, physical fitness assessment, and psychological evaluation.

Trooper Teri Cavin, who serves as the Northwestern Ohio recruiter, said in recent years the Patrol has had just one class for cadets annually, and there were a couple of years where no classes were offered, but the need is so great, they are planning on offering three classes, scheduled in September, November and February, within the next eight months.

“It’s part of a huge hiring blitz,” Cavin said. “We are looking for people with integrity interested in serving the community.”

Cavin said the need for more troopers has come about through retirements and normal attrition rates. A revised budget also has freed up some money to allow for more troopers on the road.

The number of troopers has decreased in recent years, but Cavin said they are planning with an increase to provide more criminal patrol on the roads, an area they want to put more focus on.

“It’s more than just writing speeding tickets,” Cavin said of being a trooper. “As always, we want to reduce fatality rates. By putting more people out there we hopefully will have a better impact.”

“We expect a lot of people and in return they get a career not just a job,” Cavin said.

She said the Patrol offers benefits including good medical insurance, vacation time and sick leave, but beyond the paper benefits, from a personal aspect, it really is a family.

“We support each other a great deal,” Cavin said. “The job and relationships don’t stop when we walk out the door.”

She said troopers work well with local police departments with one goal — to keep the citizens safe.

“You really need to have an interest in serving the community,” Cavin said.

For more information about joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol, contact the local post at 419-738-4324 or stop by the post on Wapak Fisher Road and ask to talk with Trooper Teri Cavin or Lt. Scott Carrico to get started in the application process.

Cavin said they will try to get them through the application process as quickly as possible.

A test scheduled for June 23 depletes the current list of applicants with those applying now having good chances of getting into classes beginning this fall.

While a variety of different factors, including having tattoos which aren’t allowed to be seen in uniform, may impact a candidate’s chances, Cavin encouraged those who are interested to still come in and talk. Policies change periodically and she or the lieutenant may be able to help offer suggestions to overcome any obstacles.